Creon condemning to
death that one who should perform this service, which the Greeks
deemed so important, for the enemy of his country; but Ismene,
who is of a less resolute and noble spirit, declines taking part
with her sister in this work, and says, -
"I, therefore, asking those under the earth to consider me, that
I am compelled to do thus, will obey those who are placed in
office; for to do extreme things is not wise."
ANTIGONE
"I would not ask you, nor would you, if you still wished, do it
joyfully with me. Be such as seems good to you. But I will bury
him. It is glorious for me doing this to die. I beloved will
lie with him beloved, having, like a criminal, done what is holy;
since the time is longer which it is necessary for me to please
those below, than those here, for there I shall always lie. But
if it seems good to you, hold in dishonor things which are
honored by the gods."
ISMENE
"I indeed do not hold them in dishonor; but to act in opposition
to the citizens I am by nature unable."
Antigone being at length brought before King Creon, he asks, -
"Did you then dare to transgress these laws?"
ANTIGONE
"For it was not Zeus who proclaimed these to me, nor Justice who
dwells with the gods below; it was not they who established these
laws among men.
